‘And Then There Were None’

Hawkeye Community Theatre presents Agatha Christie novel

Hailey Brueschke

Reporter

hbrueschke@messengernews.net

The Hawkeye Community Theatre will bring crime and mystery to the stage during its August play, “And Then There Were None.”

Based on the mystery novel by English write Agatha Christie, the story made its writer a best-selling novelist.

“This is my favorite Agatha Christie novel adapted to the stage,” Director MaryJo Laupp said. “The first time I read the novel, the ending took me by complete surprise, and it is honestly one of the best whodunits ever done. This is one of Christie’s darkest tales, and it will keep the audience guessing until the very end.”

Ten strangers are invited to an island off the English coast. The only connection the guests have is something in their past that they are unwilling to reveal, and a secret that will seal their fate.

Once the weather gets worse, and the group is cut off from the mainland, the murders begin.

One by one, each guest is accused of murder, and one by one, they are all murdered themselves in a way that matches up with the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme.

The show takes place during the 1940s. While Laupp has decided against doing accents, she will be staying within the time period.

Calvin Clark, who plays Philip Lombard, said audiences will enjoy the play.

“This is an interesting play and will keep you on the edge of your seats the whole time,” he said. “Everyone in the cast has great chemistry, and I get to play a character who is very similar to my own personality.”

Laupp said the play’s cast is filled with newcomers.

“This is a very fun cast to work with, and most of them are new to the Hawkeye stage, so the audience will see some new faces,” she said.

Jeremy Hatley, who plays Sir Lawrence Wargrave, is not only new to the Hawkeye stage, but also to the Fort Dodge area.

“I have a background in theatre, and Fort Dodge has tons of opportunities to be involved with theatre,” Hatley said. “When I saw it was Agatha Christie, I thought it would be my perfect chance to get involved.”

Also new to the Hawkeye stage is Christopher Nicols.

“I portray Dr. Armstrong, and he is neuro specialist who, ironically, has trouble keeping himself together,” Nicols said. “He dislikes all the characters and only trusts Wargrave.”

Jarrod Roth, who plays General Mackenzie, not only is acting in the play, but he’s also familiar with its source material.

“I teach this book in English 1, and I thought it would be interesting to see what the novel looks like as a play,” he said. “Bringing Mackenzie to life is a little bit more challenging because he is an older character. I have been trying to figure out ways to make my voice sound older along with looking older.”

Student Director Reagan Black said he’s enjoyed working on the play.

“I have had so much fun watching the characters develop and learning from MaryJo,” he said. “Everyone should come out and see the show because it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last scene.”

For those who have read the book, Laupp said it is important for them to know the ending has been slightly altered from the original dark ending.

“And Then There Were None” will be shown at 7 p.m. from Aug. 16 to Aug. 19, as well as a matinee show at 2 p.m. on Aug. 19.

It will be at the Hawkeye Community Theatre, 521 N. 12th St.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or in advance by visiting mkt.com/hawkeyetheatre.